One minute your child is sat in a highchair mashing spaghetti hoops into their hair and the next they're pulling on skinny jeans and talking about university.

A child heading off to the study can be a daunting time, not only for the student but for their parents, too.

For most students it's the first time that they'll be expected to be responsible for everything - from their studies to their money, social life and food.

It's not easy saying goodbye to your children when they leave to go to university - but chances are that if you know you've given them the best footing to get started with, you'll worry about them slightly less.

A group of students

So from tuition fees to packing, here's everything you need to know before your child heads off to university.

Tuition fees and grants

The tuition fee may vary depending on the university and course your child chooses. You can find out from the university the exact amount they will charge.

You don't have to worry about paying any upfront costs, repayments will only be made once your child has graduated and their income is over £21,000 a year.

Remember, thousands of people are all trying to get their student loans organised so the sooner you do this the better chance you'll have of getting it sorted. You don't want your child to arrive at uni without it.

Money can be a big worry for students

Living costs

Your child can apply for a Maintenance Loan to help them meet living costs, such as rent and bills.

The amount you can get depends on where you live, where you study and your household income. Everyone who is eligible for student finance, regardless of household income will be entitled to at least some Maintenance Loan, but you can apply for more that’s based on your household income.

Make sure your child applies as soon as possible to ensure that they get their money time.

Accommodation

Applying for accommodation varies for each university. Usually you can apply once you've accepted an offer.

Some will allow you to apply for accommodation even if it is your insurance offer. Accommodation is usually on a first-come, first-served basis.

Your child can chat about their accommodation in their university sub forum. There are also Halls of Residence and Freshers Facebook groups where they can find out who they are living with, who is on their course, as well as making friends before starting.

Hopefully things won't get this bad...

House-hunting

Of course, no-one is guaranteed a place in halls of residence and you might find yourself house-hunting.

Get a list of basic requirements along with a budget to stick to. Never hand over money unless it’s a university-run hall and don’t sign a contract before you read it fully.

Get in touch with your uni’s housing service; it will be able to help you with arranging accommodation and making sense of contracts.

And don’t worry if you don’t get a place in halls. That is not the end of your social life. You have your lectures, activities and socials where you will meet people.

Insurance

Things break. Things go missing - and it's important that you're prepared for that eventuality.

Students living on campus should check what cover is provided. Student halls may provide insurance against theft of personal possessions, but you should check the policy terms first.

Provided that the student still lives at the family home during the holidays, many home insurance policies offer an element of cover for belongings kept in student accommodation during term time. All policies are different so we recommend that you check the terms first.

University is likely to be the first time your child has lived away from home

How to register with a local doctor

If you are away from home and are planning on spending most of your time at your new address, then it is important to register with a GP near your university. Find your local GP surgery here .

Students work hard, but have a reputation of playing hard, too

How do you open a student bank account?

Open your student bank account as soon as possible, but make sure you choose a bank with branches close to your university and your accommodation.

You can apply online for most student bank accounts, but you will need to prove who you are. This can be done by taking supporting documents into your local branch or sending off original documents in the post.

You will also need to provide a photo ID (passport/driver's licence), proof of address (bank statement, bills) as well as proof of your student status.

Do your research before opening an account, aim to get the biggest and longest guaranteed 0% overdraft.

What discounts are available for students?

It's no secret that university is expensive – but there's at least one upside...student discounts.

Your university will provide you with a student card on your first day of term, or when you register on campus. Flash that card whenever you can - wear it as a badge if you must!

Here are some of the best student discount deals going - including free coffee, up to 15 per cent off at Amazon and 50 per cent off train fares.

Students can also get:

A 16 to 25 railcard offer students a third off rail fares (must be 16-25 or full time student)

National Express offer students a 25% off discount (must show ith NUS Extra card)